Is Breast Reduction Surgery and Breastfeeding Compatible?
Breast reduction surgery will not prevent you from breastfeeding your child as most women who undergo the surgery can produce some amount of milk. However it is typical that you may not produce enough milk to offer your child an exclusively breastfed diet. You should investigate breast milk banking to help make up the difference. In some cases of... [Read more...]
How do you prevent a clogged or plugged duct?
A clogged or plugged duct can be the cause if your breasts are very tender, milk is not squirting out of those 15-20 holes, and you have redness or a hard spot near the sore area. There area few things you can do to prevent a clogged or plugged duct: Limit the breastfeeding or breast pumping intervals. Check your bras for a bad fit, pulls tightly,... [Read more...]
How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?
As a mothers new to breastfeeding the question “How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?” has probably crossed your mind. A few things to put your mind at rest, your baby is eating enough if: your baby looks satisfied and content after breastfeeding you find you need to change about four to six wet diapers a day they have regular bowel movements sleeps... [Read more...]
What are the drawbacks of bottlefeeding?
When deciding if breastfeeding is the choice for you, consider some of the drawbacks to bottle feeding: Organization and preparation. When planning to feed formula to your newborn enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be prepared. Bottles and nipples need an initial sterilization and a good washing after every use. Bottles and... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Benefits to the Mother
We always hear about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, and the benefits on the mother/child relationship. There are also substantial benefits to the mother, independently. Breastfeeding stimulates a woman’s body to release the hormone oxytocin. This becomes important in a couple of ways in the days immediately after the birth of the baby.... [Read more...]
Five Signs the Time to Wean has come
There are a few good signs that indicate time to wean has come. You’re ready. Your breastfeeding goals have been met or you have decided to wean based on your unique considerations. Your child is ready. All children will eventually wean sometimes before their mothers are ready to wean. Natural weaning can happen as early as twelve months. A confirmed... [Read more...]
What happens during lactation?
You’ve seen it and most like likely experienced it several times already. You draw your child near your breast, they begin to nurse and take in your milk stopping when their stomach is full. But what happens behind the scenes? What happens during lactation? First off milk production depends on the sucking action of your child. This stimulated... [Read more...]
Increasing milk production
If you and your doctor have determined that your baby is not getting enough milk there area some things you can try for increasing milk production. Some of the strategies to help increase the levels of prolactin and then more milk are to: Increase breastfeeding frequency Feed from both breasts at every breastfeeding session Express your milk with a... [Read more...]
Middle of the Night Feedings
One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule. Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want. Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding troubleshooting guide
Hopefully you will have a problem free time while breastfeeding. However here is a breastfeeding troubleshooting guide for some of the more common issues you may encounter. Be sure to keep your doctor or lactation consultant aware of any of your concerns. Sore nipples - most commonly the result of bad positioning. Check how your child is positioned... [Read more...]
